HB531Introduced in the House of Delegates
Abortion; born alive infant, treatment and care, penalty.
Introduced by Karen Hamilton, District 62
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Abortion; born alive infant; treatment and care; penalty. Requires every health care provider licensed by the Board of Medicine who attempts to terminate a pregnancy to (i) exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of a human infant who has been born alive following such attempt as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age and (ii) take all reasonable steps to ensure the immediate transfer of the human infant who has been born alive to a hospital for further medical care. A health care provider who fails to comply with the requirements of the bill is guilty of a Class 4 felony and may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board. The bill also requires every hospital licensed by the Department of Health to establish a protocol for the treatment and care of a human infant who has been born alive following an attempt to terminate a pregnancy and for the immediate reporting to law enforcement of any failure to provide such required treatment and care.
Where it stands
Left in Health and Human Services
February 18, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of DelegatesStage: Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N) · February 3, 2026
7
Yes
3
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
10 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Garrett McGuire | 17 | Yes |
| Sam Rasoul | 38 | Yes |
| Wendell Walker | 52 | No |
| Keith Hodges | 68 | No |
| Mark Downey | 69 | Yes |
| Otto Wachsmann | 83 | No |
| Marcia Price | 85 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102672D
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 1:17 pm)
Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
Assigned sub: Health
Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N)
Left in Health and Human Services
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.